Chelsea have condemned homophobic abuse geared toward striker Sam Kerr after she introduced she was anticipating a child with West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis.
The 31-year-old Australia captain, who has missed nearly all of this yr with an ACL harm, revealed the information in a publish on Instagram on Monday, saying: “Mewis-Kerr baby coming 2025!”
It got here with an image of the couple kissing and exhibiting off Mewis’ child bump.
Whereas many had been fast to congratulate them, they confronted what Chelsea described as “unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments”.
Feedback on Kerr’s unique publish had been additionally restricted after it had initially gone up.
In a press release, a spokesperson for Chelsea stated: “Chelsea Football Club is aware of recent unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments published across various social media platforms.
“There is no such thing as a place in society for any type of discrimination and we is not going to settle for any abuse directed in the direction of our gamers, workers or supporters.
“We are extremely proud to be a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communities and identities.”
Chelsea Delight condemns abuse directed at Kerr after child announcement
The membership’s LGBTQ+ and buddies supporter group Chelsea Delight additionally referred to as the feedback “hateful”, denouncing the social media feedback directed at Kerr and Mewis, who acquired engaged final yr.
“Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society,” stated a press release posted on X.
“It’s heart-breaking and infuriating to see social media flooded with hateful comments when we should be celebrating love, pride, and unity.
“Over the weekend and immediately, our membership was compelled to close down feedback and even delete posts, posts that ought to have been shining moments of pleasure, from the highly effective symbolism of Rainbow Laces to the unimaginable information that Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis will welcome a baby in 2025.
“‘No to Hate’ isn’t just a slogan; it’s a battle cry. It’s a reminder that we must keep fighting for what is right, for true acceptance, and for a game that embraces everyone without exception.
“We refuse to face by in silence. At Chelsea Delight, we stand towards each act of homophobia with unwavering energy and fervour.
“We fight for a football world where every player, fan, and family can live openly and be celebrated, without fear or prejudice.
“That is our recreation, our membership, and our unwavering dedication: Hate won’t ever win right here. We’ll at all times stand for love, unity, and an inclusive future for soccer.”
